ABOUT US

What is Prism Early Advancement Center?

Prism Early Advancement Center provides 1:1 ABA therapy and group instruction school readiness to young children with autism. Our ABA staff are certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and adhere to their standards of care. 

We follow a year-round (12 month) schedule that helps our children transition to kindergarten while ensuring that they receive the recommended hours per week of intensive ABA therapy. Individualized ABA treatment plans allow each child to work towards specific goals to their needs and abilities. In the preschool setting, children experience a typical classroom environment that will enable them to enter kindergarten and presenting them to the expectations and routines of a K-6 school setting.

Our state-of-the-art center in Coral Gables provides children with a safe and welcoming environment that encourages and rewards their efforts. We recognize that no two individuals with autism are the same, and we strive to help each child develop and take pride in their strengths. We celebrate the unique gifts and talents that individuals with autism have and work as a team to prepare our children for kindergarten and daily life through evidence-based interventions.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Christina Crocco

Dr. Crocco is the founder and director of Prism Early Advancement Center. She has her doctorate in special education from FIU. She has published multiple research studies in peer-reviewed journals. Her research focuses on the behavior and social skills of children with autism in classroom settings. She has worked extensively with children with autism and their families in Florida, Pennsylvania, and California. As a former ABA therapist, behavioral consultant, and parent/teacher trainer, Dr. Crocco has used her educational training to improve the lives of individuals with autism through evidence-based interventions. Dr. Crocco most recently worked at the University of Miami as a federal grant manager, where she supported teachers and students across Miami-Dade County Public Schools. In addition to her doctorate, she has a master’s degree in special education from California Polytechnic State University and an undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Miami.

Chris Malek

A lifelong resident of Miami and graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Chris is part of the rich diversity of the South Florida community. As CEO, he is committed to ensuring that Prism’s inclusive educational model and service meets the needs of every child who attends Prism. Chris is proud of the unique and personalized educational services provided by Prism, and the important work being done by the Prism team to help the local autism community.

Veronica Medina

Veronica is Prism’s Clinical Director. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has been in the Applied Behavior Analysis field for almost 10 years. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Florida International University and her Master’s degree from Western New England University where she worked with children with autism ages ranging from 18 months to 22 years of age. Veronica has experience in research, participating in studies on imitation assessments with toddlers, selective feeding, token economies, and response effort and reward relativity. 

Veronica has a strong passion not only for the Behavior Analysis field but also for helping families and kids who have been affected by autism. She has worked both nationally and internationally in the areas of Early Intervention, home setting, clinic, and residential facilities serving the at risk population with severe problem behavior. 

Megan Hunziker

Megan is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s degree in Psychology with a Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Capella University. She has over six years of experience working with children, including individuals with autism and related disabilities, ranging from 18 months to 14 years old within specialized centers, homes, and multiple school settings. Megan is on a mission to providing the utmost quality care with meaningful change to a population in need. 

Her work in the field has consisted of working in collaboration with families, teachers, and other practitioners to focus on implementing individualized and comprehensive ABA treatment. She has experience facilitating social skills groups, utilizing augmentative and alternative communication systems, and implementing evidence-based toilet training protocols. Megan continues her goal of striving for the best possible treatment outcomes for our clients.

EMPLOYMENT

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